Why Draco Malfoy Chose Hyperion Over Severus for Scorpius: Dive into the Complexities of Harry Potters Naming Choices

In the vast universe of Harry Potter, many elements of the plot are fraught with complexity, and one of the most intriguing aspects is the naming of characters. A significant query revolves around why Draco Malfoy chose to name his son Scorpius Hyperion instead of Scorpius Severus. Delving into this subject reveals the nuanced relationship between the characters and the rich tapestry of traditions and personal choices that shape their actions.

Draco Malfoy's Emotional Stability and Personal Choices

Not everyone is compelled to name their child after an individual who has been despised throughout history. Draco Malfoy, for instance, does not blame himself for every death and does not feel the same sense of guilt that Harry Potter experiences. Growing up in an emotionally stable environment, he is well aware that he does not have to honor anyone's memory through his children. This is why Draco allows Scorpius to have his own unique name rather than following an externally imposed tradition.

The Personal Nature of Choosing a Child's Name

Ah, the inquiries of the 'impartial' observer. While Severus Snape is undoubtedly an antihero in the series, without whose actions the wizarding world might have succumbed to the darkness earlier, Draco's relationship with Snape is deeply personal. While Snape may have been Draco's favorite professor for about seven years and a dear friend for life, Draco had to gain perspective after May 2, 1998, when Harry Potter made the decision to have Snape's portrait hung in the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts.

Harry's decision to tell Snape's story to the listeners at Hogwarts reveals that Snape was, in essence, "Dumbledore's man" more than Harry was. This means that while Snape didn't directly betray the Malfoys, he prioritized Dumbledore's plans over the Malfoys, placing them second in his loyalties. Naming a son after someone who put the family second seems counterintuitive, especially if that person could have been ordered to act otherwise by their first choice.

The Slight Turn of Draco Malfoy’s Perspective

It is possible that Draco’s opinion of Snape changed after learning the 'whole truth.' Objectively, he had a valid reason to have sour feelings. Even though he navigated the challenging landscape of being associated with Voldemort as a child and later as an adult, Draco would understand the necessity and wisdom of betraying Voldemort and those aligned with him. Therefore, he wouldn’t be in any mood to name his firstborn child after someone who didn’t prioritize the Malfoy family.

The Meaning and Significance of Hyperion

Draco Malfoy likely chose the name Scorpius Hyperion for his son because of its rich connotations. Hyperion is a proto-supercluster, the largest known structure in the ancient universe, and its light has traveled over 11 billion years to reach us. In mythology, Hyperion was the Titan god of watchfulness and heavenly light, the father of Eos (Dawn), Helios (Sun), and Selene (Moon).

From a practical standpoint, Hyperion is a name that signifies a connection to the cosmos and the promise of a new dawn after a long, dark period. It fits perfectly with the Malfoy/Black tradition of using names from stellar objects. Additionally, Hyperion evokes a sense of possibility and hopefulness for a new and better world, perfectly aligning with the themes of the Harry Potter series.

Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Personal Choice

The choice to name Scorpius Hyperion rather than Scorpius Severus serves as a testament to the complex nature of characters in the Harry Potter universe. It highlights the importance of personal choice and the impact of history on individual identities. Draco Malfoy is thoughtful and selective, allowing his son to embrace his heritage on his terms, rather than adhering to external pressures. This nuanced approach underscores the rich depth of character development in the Harry Potter series.